‘Holiday Splendor’ takes over the Ellwood House

Published: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 5:30 a.m. CDT

Begin the holiday season at Ellwood House Museum’s three-day holiday celebration in DeKalb. Festive decorations and music will welcome visitors to the historic mansion of barbed wire baron Isaac Ellwood.

This year’s theme is “Holiday Splendor.” A visit to the elegantly furnished home is an ideal way to kick off the holiday season as Christmas sights, aromas and music provide a total sensory experience for visitors of all ages.

The Ellwood House holiday celebration will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 17, and the event is free for those younger than 6. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.ellwoodhouse.org or onsite during the event. Tours begin in the Visitor Center.

More than a dozen rooms in the four-story Ellwood mansion, one of the Midwest’s most elegant historic homes, will be decorated by volunteers, community organizations and area businesses. Participants this year include Altrusa International of DeKalb/Sycamore, Kishwaukee College Floral Design Club, National Bank & Trust, Hair Cuttery, Patsy Schauer, Genoa Garden Club, Resource Bank, Kohl’s of Batavia and DeKalb, Valerie Bingle, Northern Illinos University Gymnastics Club, DeKalb Area Garden Club, Roger Keys & Son and Cracker Jax. The major sponsor for this year’s event is Castle Bank. Other sponsors include First State Bank, Anderson Funeral Home, Gordon’s Hardware, Aspen Chiropractic and the Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic at NIU.

Santa Claus will return to the Visitor Center eager to hear Christmas wishes. Visitors are invited to relax in the Hearthside Room where complimentary refreshments will be served. The Ellwood House museum shop also is stocked with holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, including handcrafted decorations and ornaments, old-fashioned games, books and other unique items.

The Ellwood House Museum is located at 509 N. First St. in DeKalb. Limited parking is available at the Ellwood House Visitor Center just off Augusta Avenue. Interior photos of the mansion are not allowed.

Call the Ellwood House office at 815-756-4609 or visit www.ellwoodhouse.org for more information. The nonprofit Ellwood House Association operates the Ellwood House Museum in conjunction with the DeKalb Park District.